Artificial Turf Prices
$55–$150/m²
Typical range · Updated March 2026
Real pricing for synthetic grass supply and installation, putting greens, pet turf and sports surfaces across Australia, UK, USA, Canada and New Zealand.
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Australia
artificial turf
From $10
12 services · 7 cities with data
8 regions covered
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United Kingdom
artificial grass
From £6
12 services · 3 cities with data
4 regions covered
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United States
artificial turf
From $7
12 services · 3 cities with data
12 regions covered
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Canada
artificial turf
From C$9
12 services · 2 cities with data
6 regions covered
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New Zealand
artificial turf
From NZ$10
12 services · 2 cities with data
5 regions covered
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Artificial Turf Prices by Type \u2014 Australia
National average prices \u2014 fully installed including labour and GST
| Service | Unit | From | Average | Up to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Turf Supply & Install | /m² | $55 | $70 | $85 |
| Premium Turf Supply & Install | /m² | $80 | $105 | $130 |
| Turf Supply Only | /m² | $25 | $38 | $55 |
| Installation Only (Customer Supply) | /m² | $30 | $40 | $50 |
| Site Preparation & Base Work | /m² | $20 | $30 | $40 |
| Old Lawn Removal | /m² | $10 | $16 | $25 |
| Putting Green Installation | /m² | $90 | $125 | $160 |
| Playground Safety Turf | /m² | $70 | $95 | $120 |
| Pet-Friendly Turf | /m² | $65 | $85 | $110 |
| Sports Surface Turf | /m² | $80 | $115 | $150 |
| Balcony & Rooftop Turf | /m² | $75 | $100 | $130 |
| Turf Repair & Patching | /job | $200 | $380 | $600 |
Based on verified quotes from artificial turf installers. All prices AUD including GST. Base preparation, old lawn removal, and edging may be additional. Last updated March 2026.
Common Artificial Turf Jobs and What They Cost
Real project costs based on complete scope \u2014 not just the turf price.
| Job | Typical scope | Typical price | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small backyard — 30m² basic install | Remove existing lawn, prepare base with crushed rock, supply and install entry-level synthetic turf, edge fixing | $2,500–$3,900 | 1–2 days |
| Medium yard — 60m² premium install | Full site prep, weed membrane, compacted base, premium turf supply and install, aluminium edging | $6,600–$10,800 | 2–3 days |
| Pet-friendly turf — 40m² | Remove lawn, drainage layer, antimicrobial turf with permeable backing, infill, edging | $3,600–$6,000 | 1–2 days |
| Putting green — 15m² | Excavation, precision levelling, contour shaping, putting surface supply and install, cup holes | $1,350–$2,400 | 1–2 days |
| Balcony or courtyard — 12m² | Surface preparation, drainage mat, turf supply and install on hard surface, edge finishing | $900–$1,560 | Half day |
| Playground area — 25m² | Excavation, impact-absorbing base, playground-grade turf supply and install, safety testing | $1,750–$3,000 | 1–2 days |
What Affects the Price of Artificial Turf?
Area size and shape
Larger areas benefit from economies of scale on both materials and labour. Complex shapes with curves, garden beds, and obstacles increase cutting waste and installation time, pushing up the per-square-metre cost.
Turf grade and pile height
Entry-level turf ($25–$40/m² supply) uses shorter pile and basic backing. Premium products ($40–$55/m² supply) use longer pile, multi-tone colours, and UV-stabilised yarn that lasts 10–15 years versus 5–8 years for cheap options.
Base preparation requirements
Proper base preparation — excavation, levelling, compaction, crushed rock, and weed membrane — adds $20–$40/m² but is essential for longevity. Skipping this step is the most common cause of premature turf failure.
Access and site difficulty
Narrow side gates, steep slopes, multi-storey properties, and sites without vehicle access all add labour time and cost. Inner-city properties with no skip-bin access for soil removal are particularly affected.
Drainage and sub-surface conditions
Clay soils require more excavation and a thicker crushed-rock base for drainage. Sandy soils drain naturally and cost less to prepare. Properties with existing drainage problems may need additional agricultural drainage at $30–$60/m.
Purpose and specialisation
Standard residential turf is the most affordable. Specialty products — pet-friendly antimicrobial turf, playground safety surfaces, sports turf, and putting greens — use different backing, infill, and installation techniques that increase cost by 20–60%.
What Is Usually Included
- Supply and delivery of artificial turf rolls
- Weed membrane / geotextile layer
- Kiln-dried silica sand or rubber infill
- Joining tape and adhesive for seams
- Edge fixing with galvanised pins or screws
- GST and standard residential labour during business hours
Common Extras to Watch For
- Old lawn removal and soil disposal (usually quoted separately)
- Excavation and crushed rock base preparation
- Aluminium or timber edging (recommended but often extra)
- Drainage modifications for clay or waterlogged soils
- Steep slope anchoring and additional fixing
- Skip bin hire for soil and green waste removal
What to Expect: The Installation Process
A step-by-step guide from first quote to finished turf
Site measure and quote
The installer visits to measure the area, assess drainage, check soil conditions, and identify access constraints. They will discuss turf grade options, infill types, and edging treatment. For pet owners, this is the time to flag antimicrobial backing and drainage requirements.
Typical duration: 30–60 min on-site
Old lawn and soil removal
Existing grass, weeds, and 50–100mm of topsoil are stripped and removed. This is critical — leaving organic material under the turf causes uneven settling and drainage problems. For areas with tree roots, root barriers may be installed to prevent future damage.
Typical duration: 2–6 hours
Base preparation and compaction
A crushed rock base (road base or decomposed granite) is laid to 50–80mm depth, levelled with falls for drainage, and machine-compacted with a plate compactor. This is the most important step — 80% of turf failures are caused by poor base preparation. The surface must be flat and firm.
Typical duration: 3–8 hours
Turf laying and joining
Turf rolls are laid with pile direction consistent, trimmed to fit the area, and joined using adhesive tape and glue. Professional seamers create near-invisible joins. Edges are secured with galvanised nails or edge strips. The turf is stretched and smoothed to eliminate wrinkles.
Typical duration: 2–6 hours
Infill and brushing
Silica sand or rubber crumb infill is spread across the turf at 4–8kg per square metre. The infill weighs the turf down, supports the pile upright, and provides cushioning. A power broom is used to brush the infill into the pile and lift the fibres to a natural appearance.
Typical duration: 1–3 hours
Final inspection and handover
Walk the area to check for seam visibility, edge security, and even infill distribution. The installer should demonstrate how to maintain the turf — brushing frequency, hosing for pet areas, and when to top up infill. Warranty documents are provided for both the product and installation.
Typical duration: 15–30 min
Artificial Turf Price Trends — 2023 to 2026
Installed prices have risen moderately, driven by synthetic yarn costs and installer demand in metro areas.
| Year | Basic Install | Premium Install | Pet-Friendly | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $65/m² | $95/m² | $78/m² | — |
| 2024 | $67/m² | $100/m² | $82/m² | +3–5% |
| 2025 | $68/m² | $103/m² | $84/m² | +2–3% |
| 2026 | $70/m² | $105/m² | $85/m² | +2% |
What’s Driving Price Increases
Artificial turf is a petroleum-derived product, so yarn and backing costs track oil prices. Installed prices have risen 8–12% since 2023 across standard grades. Labour costs for specialist installers have increased 5–7% year-on-year, driven by strong residential demand and competition from commercial landscaping projects. Infill materials (silica sand, rubber crumb) have also risen as construction demand grows.
Regional Differences
Sydney is 10–15% above the national average due to higher labour rates and disposal fees. Melbourne sits 5–10% above average. Brisbane pricing is close to the national benchmark but UV-stabilised products add a premium. Adelaide and Perth are 5–10% below Sydney rates, with Perth benefiting from sandy soils that reduce base preparation costs. Regional areas vary — travel time for specialist installers can push prices above metro rates in towns without local providers.
Supply and Demand Factors
Water restrictions in Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia continue to drive natural-to-artificial lawn conversions. The pet-friendly turf segment is growing fastest — antimicrobial and drainage-optimised products now make up over 30% of residential installations. Commercial demand from childcare centres, sports clubs, and body corporates has expanded the market beyond residential backyards. More specialist installers are entering the market, creating competition that partially offsets input cost increases.
2026–2027 Outlook
Expect artificial turf prices to rise 2–4% through 2027, roughly tracking petroleum input costs and installer wage growth. Pet-friendly and antimicrobial products may see above-average increases as demand outpaces supply. Cool-touch and lighter-coloured turf is an emerging premium tier driven by heat concerns. Increased competition from specialist installers is keeping price growth moderate. Booking in autumn or winter remains the best way to secure lower installation quotes.
How to Save Money on Artificial Turf
Do the old lawn removal yourself
Old lawn removal adds $10–$25/m² to quotes. If you can strip the existing lawn and dispose of soil waste yourself (or hire a skip), you can save $400–$1,000 on a typical 40m² job.
Choose turf grade wisely — do not over-spec
A premium 40mm pile turf looks great but costs $40–$55/m² supply. A quality 25–30mm pile at $25–$35/m² is perfectly adequate for most backyards and saves $600–$800 on a 40m² area.
Get quotes from specialists, not landscapers
Dedicated artificial turf installers often quote 10–20% less than general landscapers because they buy turf in bulk and have dedicated equipment. They also tend to do better seam work.
Buy offcuts for small areas
Turf suppliers often sell roll-end offcuts at 30–50% off full-roll prices. For balconies, courtyards, or small side areas under 15m², ask about offcuts before ordering a full roll.
Bundle with edging and base prep
Some installers quote base preparation, turf installation, and edging as separate line items. Asking for an all-inclusive package price often saves 5–10% compared to itemised billing.
Avoid peak season if you can
Spring and early summer are peak installation times. Booking in autumn or winter can mean shorter lead times and sometimes 5–10% lower labour rates. The turf itself does not care what season it is installed — only the base preparation needs dry weather.
DIY vs Professional Artificial Turf Installation
Can you save money by installing turf yourself? Here is how the two approaches compare.
| Aspect | DIY | Professional | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (40m² job) | $1,400–$2,200 | $3,200–$5,600 | DIY saves on labour but you need to hire a plate compactor ($80–$120/day) |
| Time required | 2–4 days | 1–2 days | DIY takes longer without professional tools and experience |
| Base preparation | Manual levelling | Machine-compacted, laser-levelled | Poor base prep is the #1 cause of turf failure — wrinkles, drainage issues |
| Seam quality | Visible seams common | Near-invisible joins | Professional seaming tools and technique make a significant difference |
| Warranty | Product only | Product + installation | Most manufacturers void warranty if turf is not professionally installed |
| Best suited for | Small flat areas, balconies | Any size, complex shapes, slopes | DIY is viable for simple jobs under 15m² on flat ground |
Best Time of Year to Install Artificial Turf
| Season | Suitability | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn (Mar–May) | Best | Mild weather for base preparation work. Lower installer demand means better pricing and scheduling. Turf is ready to enjoy by spring. |
| Winter (Jun–Aug) | Good | Installation is fine in winter — artificial turf does not need warmth to settle. Main risk is wet weather delaying base preparation and compaction. Allow extra days in the schedule. |
| Spring (Sep–Nov) | Peak demand | Most popular time to install as people prepare outdoor spaces for summer. Book 3–4 weeks ahead. Prices may be 5–10% higher due to demand. |
| Summer (Dec–Feb) | Caution | Hot weather makes outdoor installation work harder and slower. Very hot days (35°C+) can make freshly laid turf uncomfortably hot to walk on during quality checks. Early morning installs are common. |
City-by-City Artificial Turf Guide — Australia
How installation costs and conditions vary across major cities
Sydney
Sydney has the highest artificial turf installation costs in Australia, driven by labour rates and disposal fees. Water restrictions and small inner-city courtyards make turf a popular choice. North-facing backyards should consider cool-touch turf products due to intense summer heat. Western Sydney suburbs see high demand for larger backyard installations.
Melbourne
Melbourne pricing sits 5–10% below Sydney. Strong demand from the southern suburbs where clay soils make natural lawns patchy. Melbourne's variable weather means base preparation and drainage are particularly important — clay soils require extra compaction and sometimes a gravel drainage layer beneath the road base.
Brisbane
Brisbane and south-east Queensland have high demand driven by water restrictions and intense UV exposure. UV-stabilised turf is essential — cheaper imports fade rapidly in Queensland sun. Sub-tropical humidity means drainage and antimicrobial infill are more important here than in southern states.
Adelaide
Adelaide has some of the most competitive artificial turf pricing in Australia. Hot, dry summers and permanent water restrictions make it one of the strongest markets for turf conversion. Lower labour costs keep installed prices 10–15% below Sydney. The Hills area may need extra drainage work on sloped blocks.
Perth
Perth's sandy soils make excellent base conditions for artificial turf — drainage is naturally good and compaction is straightforward. Water restrictions and the long, hot dry season drive strong demand. Coastal suburbs should choose salt-resistant and UV-stabilised products. Perth pricing is moderate — above Adelaide but below Sydney.
Artificial turf installation in Australia costs $55–$130/m² fully installed depending on the turf grade and site conditions. A typical 40m² backyard costs $3,200–$7,200 including base preparation, turf supply, and installation. Premium products, pet-friendly options, and difficult access add to the total.
Quality artificial turf lasts 10–15 years with proper installation and maintenance. Premium UV-stabilised products from reputable manufacturers can last 15–20 years. Cheap imports often degrade within 3–5 years due to poor UV resistance and thin backing. The base preparation quality is the biggest factor in long-term performance.
Artificial turf eliminates ongoing lawn maintenance costs including mowing ($40–$80 per visit), watering ($200–$600/year), fertilising, and weed treatment. For a typical 40m² yard, the break-even point versus natural lawn maintenance is usually 4–7 years. Water savings alone can be significant in drought-prone areas.
DIY installation is possible for small, flat areas if you have access to a plate compactor and are comfortable with base preparation. However, poor DIY installation is the leading cause of turf failure — wrinkles, poor drainage, visible seams, and edge lifting. Professional installation adds $30–$50/m² but ensures warranty coverage and proper drainage.
Yes. Standard artificial turf can reach 60–80°C on hot sunny days, significantly hotter than natural grass. Cool-touch and lighter-coloured turf options reduce surface temperature by 10–15°C. Shade structures, trees, and periodic hosing down also help. This is an important consideration in Australian, US sunbelt, and NZ climates.
Yes, when you choose the right product. Pet-friendly turf ($65–$110/m² installed) uses antimicrobial backing and permeable drainage layers that allow urine to drain through rather than pooling. Zeolite or antimicrobial infill helps control odour. Standard turf without these features can develop smell issues with regular pet use.
Artificial turf needs minimal maintenance compared to natural grass — no mowing, watering, or fertilising. Occasional brushing with a stiff broom keeps the pile upright. Hosing down removes dust and pet waste. Leaves and debris should be blown or raked off. In high-traffic areas, you may need to top up infill sand every 2–3 years ($2–$4/m²). Total annual maintenance cost is typically $50–$150 versus $1,000–$2,500 for natural lawn.
Quality artificial turf generally has a neutral to positive effect on property value, especially in drought-prone areas where water restrictions make natural lawns impractical. Buyers appreciate the low-maintenance appeal. However, cheap or poorly installed turf can look artificial and detract from appeal. The key factors are product quality, installation quality, and how well it integrates with the overall landscaping.
Yes. Installed prices have risen 8–12% since 2023 across standard grades, driven by petroleum-based yarn costs, installer labour demand, and infill material increases. Expect a further 2–4% rise through 2027. Pet-friendly and antimicrobial products are seeing above-average price increases due to strong demand.
Silica sand is the most common and affordable infill ($2–$4/m²), providing weight and support for the pile. Rubber crumb adds cushioning for play areas. Zeolite infill ($4–$8/m²) is best for pet areas as it neutralises urine odour. Antimicrobial-coated sand is a mid-range option that resists bacterial growth. Your installer should recommend infill based on your specific use case.
Yes. Artificial turf can be laid directly over flat concrete, pavers, or timber decking using adhesive. No base preparation or excavation is needed, which reduces installation cost significantly. Drainage holes must be present or drilled in concrete surfaces. This is a popular solution for balconies, rooftops, and courtyard areas where digging is not possible.
For pet urine, hosing down the area with water is usually sufficient if the turf has permeable backing and proper drainage. For solid waste, remove it and rinse the spot. Monthly application of a turf deodoriser or enzyme cleaner ($15–$30 per bottle) helps prevent odour buildup. Zeolite infill provides ongoing odour control between cleans. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals as they can degrade the turf backing.
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